Courses and Programs of Study

Courses listed in this publication make up the instructional program for the school system. Only approved core curricula are available at all sites, and courses may not be offered during this school year if enrollment does not permit. Prerequisites are conditions that must be met in order to enroll in a course. Credits are used for scheduling and grade point average calculations. Information in this publication may change. Contact the content area office listed in the Phone Directory for updates. Published by the Division of Teaching and Learning, Department of Curriculum and Instruction.

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How to use this publication

The courses listed make up the instructional program for the school system. However, only approved core curricula are available at all sites, and courses may not be offered during this school year if enrollment does not permit.

Fees are not included in the description of courses.

Courses appear in order within alphabetized departments.

Course codes are used by the school system to schedule students electronically.

The 6th digit in the 6-digit Course Code may be interpreted as follows:

1=first semester;

2=second semester;

3=full year;

0=semester or quarter

Credits are awarded for successful demonstration of a specified unit of study.

1.0 = full year;

.50 = half year;

.25 = one quarter;

0 = full year, half year, or quarter.

After required specified credits have been earned, all other credits are elective.

Prerequisites are conditions that must be met in order to enroll in a course.

Students may need assistance from parents, counselors, administrators, and teachers in interpreting information within the publication.

Planning a Middle School Schedule

According to the Code of Maryland regulations, middle school students must take the following courses each year:

Reading/English Language Arts

Mathematics

Science

Social Studies

Health

Physical Education

Fine Arts (Music, Dance, Theatre, Visual Arts)

For enriched academic experience and to prepare for advanced coursework, students should consider these additional recommended courses:

Family and Consumer Sciences • World Language*

Technology Education

Students interested in a focused, in-depth experience should consider these programs by application or selection process:

Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)

Creative and Performing Arts

French Immersion

Gateway to Technology

Montessori

Talented and Gifted

*Elementary schools housing 6th graders may offer Introduction to the Language in order to prepare students with the requisite courses for the IB and AP programs. For middle schools with 7th / 8th configurations only, a student without a prior introductory course will take the Introduction to the Language in 7th grade.

Planning a High School Schedule

All students are expected to either be state-approved Career and Technology Education program completers or meet University System of Maryland entrance requirements, or both, upon graduating from high school. Careful and informed course planning is necessary to accomplish this goal:

Review credits you have earned to determine whether you are meeting graduation requirements.

Complete registration forms accurately.

Some courses have a limited enrollment based on capacities of the physical facilities of the school. Counselors will work with the teachers involved to register students in those classes.

Courses will be taught only if the enrollment is large enough to justify formation of a section. If a course must be canceled because of low enrollment, every effort will be made to notify students.

Because of the large number of courses offered only once, twice or three times, which result in scheduling conflicts, it is imperative for students to make alternate selections. When contact cannot be made, the alternate selection is the only aid available in resolving conflicts.

Changes in Schedule

It is very difficult to make satisfactory adjustments at the last moment. Your selections should be considered final. Requests for schedule changes will be honored only under extenuating circumstances. Only in unusual circumstances will schedule changes be made after the fourth week in either semester. Requests for schedule changes will be considered for the following reasons only:

High School Graduation for Middle School Coursework

Credit toward high school graduation may be earned by middle school students who meet the prerequisites and local school system curricular objectives in a high school course in Level 1 and beyond World Language, Algebra 1 and beyond mathematics, and/or Biology. Grades and credits (passing or failing) will be reflected on the student’s permanent record, high school transcript, and cumulative grade point average.

Graduation Requirements - Graduating Class of 2009 through 2017

Graduation Requirements for Class of 2009 through 2017

Effective with the Graduating Classes of 2009 through 2017 (entering freshman in Fall 2013), the graduation requirements to earn a Maryland High School diploma are:

SUBJECT AREA

SPECIFIC
CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

HIGH
SCHOOL ASSESSMENT (HSA) REQUIREMENTS

English

4 credits

Algebra/Data
Analysis, English 10, and Biology:

Students who entered Grade 9 in the fall of
2005 and later (COMAR 13A.03.02.09) must either obtain a passing or combined
score on Algebra/Data Analysis, English 10 or have sat for PARCC English 10 and Algebra 1 assessments. Students must
meet a participation requirement in the Biology assessment. The Bridge Plan
for Academic Validation may be used for students who meet specific criteria
to meet the passing requirement.

Government:

Students entering 9th grade in the 2012-13,
2011-12, 2010-11, or 2009-2010 school years do not need to pass the
Government HSA for graduation, but may use it if they pursue a combined score
to satisfy this requirement.

Students entering 9th grade in school year
2013-14 and beyond MUST either pass the Government HSA or include the
Government HSA score to meet a combined score requirement.

See Assessment Requirements pages in
Administrative Procedure 6150 for more information.

Mathematics

3 credits

√ 1 in Algebra 1

√ 1 in Geometry

√ 1 additional mathematics credit

Science

3 credits

√ 1 in Biology

√ 2 additional credits that must include
laboratory experience in any or all of the following areas: earth science,
life science, physical science

Social Studies

3 credits

√ 1 in U.S. History II

√ 1 in Local, State, and National Government

√ 1 in World History

OTHER
REQUIREMENTS

Fine Arts

1 credit

Physical Education

0.5 credit √ Personal Fitness

Health Education

0.5 credit √ Health Issues

Technology Education

1 credit √
Foundations of Technology

Completer**
and Electives

2 credits of either World Language or American Sign Language (both
credits must be in the same language per local requirements) and3 credits in electives

OR

2
credits of Advanced Technology Education and3 credits in electives

OR

Complete
(4–9 credits) a Maryland State Department of Education
(MSDE)-approved sequence of courses

andany remaining credits in electives

Credits: Twenty-one (21) credits are required. Per COMAR 13A.03.02.01C,
PGCPS has notified the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) that
four (4) credits must be earned after completion of Grade 11.

Enrollment:
The student shall satisfactorily complete four years of
approved study beyond the 8th grade unless on an approved option.

Student Service-Learning: The student shall complete a locally-developed, state-approved
program that includes service learning infusion in designated courses,
preparation, reflection and a specified number of hours of independent
service.

**Completer refers to a specified
sequence of courses required for completing graduation requirements.

Graduation Requirements - Graduating Class of 2018 through 2020

Graduation Requirements for Class of 2018 through 2020

Effective with the Graduating classes of 2018 through 2020 (entering freshman in Fall 2014 through Fall 2016), graduation requirements to earn a Maryland High School diploma are as follows. See the Required Subject Area Descriptions pages for further descriptions of enrollment requirements.

SUBJECT AREA

SPECIFIC
CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

ASSESSMENT
REQUIREMENTS

English

4 credits

Students must satisfy one of
the following:

Meet the requirements as established
by MSDE on the Maryland high school assessments for Algebra 1, Biology, English 10, and Government;

Achieve a combined score(s) as
established by MSDE on the Maryland high school assessments;

Achieve a score as established by MSDE
approved substitute assessments for algebra, biology, English, and government, aligned with the Maryland
high school assessments such as Advanced Placement examinations, SAT I, SAT
II, ACT, and International
Baccalaureate examinations;

In school years 2016—2017 and beyond,
if a student is unable to meet the above requirements, then they must
satisfactorily complete the requirements of the Bridge Plan for Academic
Validation, or

Prior to the 2016—2017 school year, if a student has taken an
HSA-aligned or PARCC-aligned Algebra I and/or
English 10 course and has passed the course(s) but
failed the assessment aligned with the course(s) that student is exempt from
completing a Bridge Plan for Academic Validation.

See Assessment
Requirements pages in Administrative Procedure 6150 for additonal information and specific information on government.

Mathematics

3 credits

√ 1 in Algebra 1

√ 1 in Geometry

√ 1 additional mathematics credit

√ Enrollment in a math course each year in
high school

Science

3 credits

√ 1 in Biology

√ 2 additional credits that must include
laboratory experience in any or all of the following areas: earth science,
life science, physical science

Social Studies

3 credits

√ 1 in U.S. History II

√ 1 in Local, State, and National Government

√ 1 in World History

OTHER
REQUIREMENTS

Fine Arts

1 credit

Physical Education

0.5 credit √ Personal Fitness

Health Education

0.5 credit √ Health Issues

Technology Education

1 credit

Completer** and Electives

**Completer refers
to a specified sequence of courses required for completing graduation
requirements

2 credits of either World Language or American Sign Language (both
credits must be in the same language per local requirements) and any
remaining credits in electives

OR

2
credits of Advanced Technology Education and any remaining credits in electives

OR

Complete
(4–9 credits) a Maryland State Department of Education
(MSDE)-approved sequence of courses

and any remaining credits in electives

Credits: Twenty-one
(21) credits are required. Per COMAR 13A.03.02.01C, PGCPS has notified the
Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) that four (4) credits must be
earned after completion of Grade 11.

Enrollment:
The
student shall satisfactorily complete four years of approved study beyond the
8th grade unless on an approved option.

Student Service-Learning: The
student shall complete a locally-developed, state-approved program that
includes service-learning infusion in designated courses, preparation,
reflection and a specified number of hours of independent service.

Graduation Requirements - Graduating Class of 2021 and beyond

Graduation Requirements for Class of 2021 and beyond

Effective with the Graduating class of 2021 (entering freshman in Fall 2017), graduation requirements to earn a Maryland High School diploma are as follows. See the Required Subject Area Descriptions pages for further descriptions of enrollment requirements.

SUBJECT AREA

SPECIFIC
CREDIT REQUIREMENTS

ASSESSMENT
REQUIREMENTS

English

4 credits

Pursuant to COMAR
13A.03.02.09, students must

Achieve a passing score
on the Maryland High School Assessments for Algebra I and English 10, in the following way:(i) For school
year 2016—2017, a score of 725;(ii) For school
year 2017—2018, a score of 733;(iii) For school year
2018—2019, a score
of 741;(iv) For school year
2019—2020, and beyond, a score of 750; and(v) Assessment
in English 10 and/or Algebra I, the passing score on the retest shall
be the passing
score in the year in which the student first
took the assessment.

Achieve a passing score
as established by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) on the Maryland High
School Assessments for biology and government;

Achieve a combined score(s) as established by MSDE on the Maryland High School Assessments;

If a student has not achieved a
passing score on the Maryland High School Assessment in English 10 and/or
Algebra I, achieve a score as established
by MSDE on MSDE-approved assessments for algebra, and/ or English, aligned with
the Maryland High
School Assessments such as
Advanced Placement examinations, SAT, ACT, and International Baccalaureate
examinations; or

Except for students described in Regulation .06G
of this chapter, if a student is unable to meet the
requirements in §B(3)(a)—(d) of this regulation,
then satisfactorily complete the requirements of the Bridge Plan for Academic
Validation as set forth in Regulation .06E of this chapter.

Mathematics

3 credits

√ 1 in Algebra 1

√ 1 in Geometry

√ 1 additional mathematics credit

√ Enrollment in a math course each year in high school

Science

3 credits

√ 1 in Biology

√ 1 in Biogeochemical Systems

√ 1 additional credits that must include
laboratory experience in any or all of the following areas: earth science,
life science, physical science

Social Studies

3 credits

√ 1 in U.S. History II

√ 1 in Local, State, and National Government

√ 1 in World History

OTHER
REQUIREMENTS

Fine Arts

1 credit

Physical Education

0.5 credit √ Personal Fitness

Health Education

0.5 credit √ Health Issues

Technology Education

1 credit

Completer** and Electives

**Completer refers
to a specified sequence of courses required for completing graduation
requirements

2 credits of either World Language or American Sign Language (both
credits must be in the same language per local requirements) andany remaining credits in electives

Complete
(4–9 credits) a Maryland State Department of Education
(MSDE)-approved sequence of courses

andany remaining credits in electives

Credits: Twenty-one
(21) credits are required. Per COMAR 13A.03.02.01C, PGCPS has notified the
Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) that four (4) credits must be
earned after completion of Grade 11.

Enrollment:
The
student shall satisfactorily complete four years of approved study beyond the
8th grade unless on an approved option.

Student Service-Learning: The
student shall complete a locally-developed, state-approved program that
includes service-learning infusion in designated courses, preparation,
reflection and a specified number of hours of independent service.

Enrollment Options Available to Students

In recognition of the fact that the four-year, full-time enrollment requirement may not serve
the best interest
of some students, Prince
George’s County Public Schools provides several educational options.

To be informed
about these options
and to receive help in developing and updating a sound educational plan, each student
must meet regularly with his/her guidance counselor. Parent(s) or guardian(s)
are required to meet with appropriate school staff in person, at a pre-arranged
conference, to discuss available options and the plans being considered by
their children (wards).

The following education options are available to students
presently enrolled in Prince George’s County Public Schools.

Concurrent and Dual Enrollment

A student may
fulfill graduation requirements by being enrolled in both high
school and college. A student wishing to apply for concurrent enrollment must apply
for and secure
approval from the local school
principal. The student and parent(s) or guardian(s) must
work very closely with the school counselor in preparation for this option. The number
of courses approved
to be taken beyond the school day should be based on what is educationally
sound and the student’s past performance. See Concurrent Enrollment and Dual
Enrollment descriptions in Administrative Procedure 6150.

Early Admissions

Students may opt to pursue an alternative to the
four-year enrollment requirement by applying for an early admissions program.

Students
may be considered for an early admissions program if they meet either of the
following criteria:

Option
1: For students who will complete their
high school requirements in three years and desire to graduate early.

Option
2: For students who plan to attend an
accredited post-high school institution as a full-time student for one year in
lieu of the final year of high school.

Students
may be considered for an early admissions program if they meet either of the
following criteria:

Students who have demonstrated success clearly by their scholastic achievement and academic precociousness.

Students who have demonstrated success clearly by their school
achievement and a readiness for vocational training.

Procedures for Early Admissions

To apply for Early Admissions the following steps must be
taken:

During the Fourth Quarter of the Tenth Grade

The counselor should have a conference
with the parents or guardians and the student to discuss the requirements for Early Admissions.

Recommendations from two major subject area teachers must
be obtained.

A complete Request
for Early Admissions to Post High School Institution form (PS-109) including
the plan for completion of
graduation requirements must be submitted to the counselor.

The early admissions form, current
transcripts, a program report and teacher recommendations must be submitted to
the principal for approval to pursue the process.

The pre-approval letter will be forwarded to the student
and parent or guardian from the principal.

The letter of approval to pursue the process from the principal
and the application packet should be
placed in the student’s cumulative folder.

During the First Quarter of the Third Year of High School

The
counselor must complete the Graduation Agreement with the student.

Before the End of the Third Quarter
of the Third Year in High School

The completed pre-approved packet with
the letter of acceptance from the post-secondary institution and an up-to-date
transcript and progress report will be forwarded to the Supervisor of Guidance
and Counseling.

A final letter of approval for the Early Admissions option
will be forwarded from the Superintendent.

Fulfilling Graduation Requirements

High school graduation will occur at the end of the
fourth year of enrollment. The student must provide copies of college
transcripts so that high school credit can be granted.

Work/Study Waiver

Any grade 12 student who has requested to be on work
release and cannot enroll in the Career Research and Development course and can
provide documentation of financial hardship may request a half-day academic
schedule. The following steps must be implemented:

The student
meets all of the requirements identified above.

The student provides a letter to the
principal documenting the reasons for requesting a work/study waiver that
substantiates financial hardship. The letter must be written by the
parent/guardian and confirmed by the
principal or his/her designee via telephone. The principal will then determine
approval or denial. Communication must be made by the principal to the parent
and student informing them of his/her
decision.

If approved, the student must present a
letter from his or her employer on letterhead within 5 school days stating that
the student is currently employed with the company. Once this information is
received the student is granted a half-day schedule.

The student is then required to provide
a letter of work confirmation from the employer quarterly. The window for accepting the letter is listed below:

End of 1st Quarter

If the student fails to provide employment documentation,
the parent will receive written notification from the school that the student
will possibly be enrolled in a full day schedule.

End of 2nd Quarter

If the student fails to provide employment documentation,
the parent will receive written notification from the school that the student
will be enrolled in a full day schedule.

End of 3rd Quarter

If the student fails to provide employment documentation,
the parent will receive written notification from the school that the student
will possibly be enrolled in a full day schedule.

All work/study approval files must be
kept in the principal’s office for further review if needed. Contents of the
student file are as follows:

Letter from parent requesting work/study
waiver due to financial hardship. Notes from principal stating approval or
denial of request and time/date of verbal confirmation with parent.

Letter from
employer on letterhead confirming student is currently employed.

Quarterly documentation showing proof of
employment or letters from the school informing the parent that the student
will be placed on a full day schedule.

Early College or Middle College programs

Students who participate in an Early College or Middle
College program are inherently early admissions students and may use the
postsecondary credits earned for the four (4) credits that must be earned after
completion of Grade 11.

College Admission Tests

Your high school academic record is a good indicator of your
potential for success in college. However, because
high schools throughout the country differ widely in course offerings, academic
standards, and grading policies, colleges need some standard measure of
academic ability when they compare the applications of candidates for
admission. Colleges in the admissions process use scores
on the college entrance tests,
along with your academic
and extracurricular record.
Tests give you an opportunity to display your knowledge. Students
have the responsibility of registering for college
entrance tests. High school counselors will assist students
in test selection and registration.

PSAT/NMSQT (or PSAT 10)

The Preliminary SAT/National Merit
Scholarship Qualifying Test is a
three-hour test administered in October of each year. It is designed
to aid high school sophomores and juniors in planning for college and to serve
juniors wishing to be considered for scholarships administered by the
National Merit Scholarship Corporation. This examination provides an early measure of the reading,
writing, and mathematical abilities tested by the SAT.

ACT

The ACT is a three hour examination given six
times during the school year. It consists of four tests in the areas of
English, reading, mathematics, and science. Scores are reported in each of
these areas along with a composite score. University System of Maryland schools
accept either ACT or SAT scores.

SAT

The SAT measures
mathematical, critical reading and writing skills. Scores on this three-hour
test allow you to compare yourself in these areas with other college-bound students.
Students are encouraged to take the SAT I
in the spring of their junior year, especially
if they are considering academy appointments, ROTC programs, early admission programs at colleges
and universities, and special scholarship programs. Maryland private
and state four-year colleges/universities accept SAT I for admission.

SAT II

SAT II are
one-hour examinations which measure what you have learned in one of twenty
specific subjects in the areas of
English, social studies, science, mathematics and language. All colleges do not
require SAT II scores as a part of
the admissions process. In some instances, only scholarship applicants may be
required to take specific tests. Consult
the catalog of the college being considered to be sure which tests, if any, are required.

TOEFL

The Test of English
as a Foreign Language is designed to measure the level of English proficiency of individuals whose native
language is not English. Many colleges and universities require
foreign students to submit TOEFL scores as a part of the application process.
The test is divided into three parts and measures
important language skills.

SAT Preparation Course 0.5 Credit

Seniors and juniors
who plan to take the
SAT for college admission should
enroll in this semester course.
Students will become familiar
with the SAT format,
test taking strategies, and critical thinking
skills. Students will review basic arithmetic, algebraic, and geometric
concepts for the mathematics section with particular attention to the formats.
In addition, students will review
reading and writing
strategies and vocabulary development for the verbal section
of the SAT. There will be extensive
work in critical and comparative reading as well as analogical reasoning. Simulated
test taking and regular feedback will be an integral part of this class.
Participants will be required to take the SAT
in 11th grade during the
spring of the school year. Prerequisites:
Algebra I, Geometry and concurrent enrollment in Algebra II.

College Credit, Certification and Licensure Opportunities in High School

Advanced Placement (AP)

The Advanced Placement (AP) program was
developed by The College Board to facilitate the transition of high school
students into successful college experiences. The AP program allows students to
pursue college- level studies while still in high school. The courses are
designed to prepare students to take and pass the AP examinations administered
nationally through the Educational Testing Service. College credit is awarded
to students who meet specific college or university requirements for the
respective courses.

College Level Examination Program (CLEP)

College Level Examination Program (CLEP) provides
a means for persons who have reached
the college level of education in non-traditional
ways to demonstrate their academic achievement and earn college credits by
taking an exam. For further information, contact the college admissions office.

International
Baccalaureate (IB)

International Baccalaureate (IB) tests may be
taken by students who have successfully completed IB courses in high school.
The IB Program is recognized for admission to colleges and universities
throughout the world. Many colleges award credit for IB Diploma recipients for
advanced placement as sophomores.

University System of Maryland Requirements

Source: University System of Maryland Website — www.usmd.edu For more information, check with the USM campus of your choice.

GRADE 9

GRADE 10

GRADE 11

GRADE 12

English

English

English

English

Algebra 1

Geometry

Algebra 2

Students
who complete Algebra 2 prior to their final year must complete the four year
mathematics requirement by taking a

course
or courses that utilize non-trivial algebra**.

Science (Lab)

Biology

Chemistry

Academic
Elective (or Science for STEM majors)

Social Studies

Social Studies

Social Studies

Academic Elective

Foreign
Language 1, American Sign Language 1, OR *Advanced Technology

Foreign
Language 2, American Sign Language 2, OR *Advanced Technology

Fine Arts

Academic Elective

Academic Elective

Academic Elective

Grade Point Average

A high school grade point average equivalent to a “C” or
better is required for admission
of full-time and part-time entering freshmen who have graduated from
high school within three years of intended enrollment.

Test Score

A score on a nationally
standardized examination such as the SAT or ACT is required of all applicants who have
graduated from high school within three years of intended enrollment.

Other Criteria

Each institution shall publish other criteria for admission that
may include (a) rigor of the high
school curriculum as demonstrated by advanced level coursework, (b) academic
electives, (c) performance on high school assessments, (d) trends in
performance, (e) citizenship and leadership, (f) special talents,
and (g) personal circumstances.

*Advanced Technology

Students should consult
the admissions office of the particular institution they are seeking to attend to determine if advanced technology is
accepted in fulfillment of this requirement.

Academic Electives

Students should choose academic electives
based on their intended course of study,
special interests, and personal needs.

Senior Year

The University System
of Maryland strongly
encourages students to prepare for college during their senior year of high school
by continuing to take a challenging academic program. In a significant number
of cases, the senior year curriculum and grades are examined closely
during the admissions review process.

**Non-trivial algebra

The level of mathematical concepts
and problems would be at least as sophisticated asthose that relate to problems appearing in the Achieve ADP
Algebra II test. Examples of courses meeting this requirement include Algebra
II, Trigonometry, Precalculus, Calculus and successor courses, Statistics, and
College Algebra.